Did the boss ask for them? If not, that would be insulting. But if she said, “hey, now that you no longer fit into your size ____, I’d be happy to take them from you” Or Goodwill of some kind. Or the friend could casually mention, “anybody wear a size ____, I’m cleaning out closets” and not mention that she’s now too skinny!

I don’t think it’s inappropriate at all, especially if the friend in question likes them! I have been losing weight and getting into better shape for awhile now and while some items do go to Good Will, some of my office or fun clothes go to a friend of mine that wears my former size and has similar taste in clothing.

I think it may depend on how close you are with the person. I have some friends who I am fatter than or skinnier than. I’m not going to be upset if someone who I know is obviously skinner, wants to give me a free pair of nice pants. Most of us are not clueless to how we look. If my friend used to wear an 8 and is now obviously a 2 but wants to give me her old 8’s – I’ll take em. I know I’ll never be a 2 that’s for sure!

When I was still working for unnamed large bank in Albany, I lost considerable weight in the first year, like 40lbs. I had an entire wardrobe to give, and one day put a bunch of bags in my trunk, and invited everyone at lunch to pick out stuff. Everyone was happy to get some nice new clothes, I was happy to share, although it was a little weird for me when I would see them wearing my stuff. Soon after I left the company, and as far as I know, some of those clothes are still getting worn. When it is mutually desired, there is nothing tacky. I had too much, others needed/wanted more work appropriate clothing.

I completely disagree. Completely. When I lost tons of weight instead of selling them, I first offered them to my friends. Who doesn’t want free designer clothes. And if someone can’t handle beign the size they are, stop stuffing your face, and get to the gym.

I think it depends on the size difference. Women are built differently – I have friends who don’t look like they’re a different clothing size than I am, but they are. I don’t see anything wrong it at all, and I think men sometimes have a terrible view of how women really react to things.

I see nothing wrong with this, as long as you are tactful about it. Not like the woman is going to string her old pants onto a pole and run around the office with it yelling “Who wants my fat pants, fatties?”

There’s nothing wrong with asking around if anyone is interested in the pants, just stating that “they don’t fit me right anymore” is just fine. A woman I used to work with gave me a black and white sundress when it didn’t fit her right. We wear the same pants size (14) but have totally different body types for the most part and we both knew that. Now, I have a hot little dress to go with my pink stilettos… score!

I started running a couple of years ago and lost some weight and needed to buy new clothes. I kept hanging on to my old clothes though and when a friend of mine also started running and losing weight, I offered her my clothes. It was a benefit for both of us since we were both fitting into smaller clothes and she was able to get a ton of new and well cared for work and casual clothes.

If you are going to do this – be positive they will fit the person you donate to.. My sister in law had lost weight at one point and gave me a bag of clothes which had some cute stuff in it – until I tried it on to find that her “fat” clothes were too small for me … sigh…. never did like that sister in law…

Unless she decides to slap a tag on them that states ‘FAT PANTS for a FATTIE’, I really don’t think she’s violating any social norm. I’ve taken clothes from women smaller than me, and I’ve taken them from women larget than me. Who cares? Again, women seem to be so insecure about themselves when it comes to size labels. I have worn everything from a 12 to a 2 at the size I am now. I select clothes because they fit me, not because of digit slapped on the collar.

The only way it would be inappropriate is if the giver said to the receiver, “I have these pants, they’re too big on me but they will fit you just fine…” Sadly I’ve heard this before (from an elder family member so I couldn’t say anything snarky back) and the article of clothing was promptly put in the nearest donation bin.

It’s as easy as “I have a pair of pants, great condition, they’re size __, would anyone like them?” An explanation why you’re getting rid of them isn’t necessary. If it’s obvious why, make it a blanket offer to many people.